hitting the tarmac

Definition

Cycling euphemism for crashing or falling off your bike. A gentler way to describe the sudden, intimate meeting between your body and the pavement.

Example Usage

I hit the tarmac on that wet corner and now I've got road rash in places I didn't know could scrape.

Origin

British cycling slang from the mid-20th century, 'tarmac' being the road surface material.

Fun Fact

Experienced cyclists can estimate the severity of a crash by the amount of torn Lycra and the creativity of the swear words used.

Source: Cycling community terminology

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momentum

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